The Ghana National Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union has suspended its sit-down strike after two days, giving government one month to demonstrate concrete progress towards rehabilitating roads serving major petroleum depots across the country.
The drivers are expected to resume loading and normal operations from Friday, September 4, following interventions by the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) and the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC).
The suspension follows weeks of growing pressure from the Union over what it describes as dangerous and deteriorating road conditions along key petroleum haulage routes.
The drivers had earlier issued a two-week ultimatum to government to address the situation before commencing the sit-down strike on Wednesday, September 2.
The industrial action disrupted tanker operations at major loading points, including the Tema industrial area. The Union specifically raised concerns about the road linking the Valco Roundabout to Kpone Junction, as well as roads within the Takoradi and Buipe depot enclaves.
According to the drivers, the affected roads are critical to the country’s petroleum supply chain and broader economic activity. They warned that the deteriorating conditions expose tanker operators, other workers and road users to significant safety and health risks.
The Union also estimates that activities supported by these road corridors generate about GH¢300 million in tax revenue for the government every week.
One-month deadline
Although the strike has been suspended, the Union said its demands remain unchanged.
It expects government to take immediate and tangible steps to accelerate the rehabilitation and completion of the affected roads. The drivers have therefore given government a one-month window to demonstrate what they describe as “visible and measurable progress.”
The Union warned that failure to meet the deadline could lead to renewed industrial action.
“Should Government fail to demonstrate visible and measurable progress within the one-month period, the Unions will be compelled to resume industrial action, including a prolonged sit-down strike,” it said.
The suspension offers temporary relief to petroleum haulage companies, fuel stations and businesses that depend on the regular movement of petroleum products.
However, the government now faces pressure to address the road concerns before the one-month deadline expires and prevent another disruption to the country’s fuel supply chain.
